Why study abroad in Asia?

10 reasons why studying abroad in Asia is worth it

”Asia is probably the most dynamic continent in the world and economically it presents endless opportunities. The center of gravity is moving towards the East.”
– Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister of Finland

Although studying abroad is always worthwhile, it matters more and more where you go. Here are just a few of the many benefits that studying abroad in Asia can bring:

1. Learn to be independent

Have you ever lived in another country? If not, this your chance to take the leap and challenge yourself. Living in a country that’s completely different from your own will teach you skills needed to live an independent life. You will find new sides of yourself that you wouldn’t have discovered if hadn’t stepped out of your comfort zone. If you can make it in Asia, you can make it anywhere.

“The world changes fast. It’s estimated that up to 60 % of the world economy comes from developing countries. Even the leaders at the World Bank have encouraged students to educate themselves about Asia and the diverse cultures of the continent. Asia is the best choice for my future career and life.”

3. Language skills

Having the basic conversational skills in a more exotic language makes a statement: you’re willing and able to learn niche skills and develop your portfolio creatively and ambitiously.

Even if you don’t learn a completely new language aboard, improving your existing English language skills will become extremely useful to you. Being able to communicate confidently in English and give presentations in a foreign language is something you’ll need regardless of your future career path. Comprehensive, polished and confident language skills never go out of style when interviewing for a job.

4. Networking

During your time abroad, you have the chance to make many new friends among both locals and other international students. Some of those relationships can blossom into lifelong friendships. These relationships can enrich both your personal and professional life.

You will never know how the contacts you have made can help you in the future, from finding a place to stay when visiting a foreign country to even landing a job.

5. Cultivate 21st century skills

The American non-profit organization Partnership for 21st Century Learning has identified 4 skills that are most needed in 21st century education: critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. All those skills can be learnt by living and studying abroad, especially in a culture very different from your own.

You will be presented with many obstacles during you day to day life, but with some creative thinking and cooperation with others you’re sure to tackle all of them. At the end of your study abroad period, you have mastered all the skills need to thrive in this millennium.

6. Affordability

The living costs in Asia are generally considerably lower than in Europe or the US. You can feel abundant even on a student budget. This can be proved, for example, by the Big Mac index which measures the purchasing power parity between two currencies by comparing the prices of a McDonald’s’ Big Mac burger in each country.

In all of our destination countries, a Big Mac is cheaper than the US or European one. So don’t worry, you can enjoy your time abroad without breaking your piggy bank.

7. Experience the rich and diverse cultures

Asia has rich and diverse cultures and immersing yourself in them is a life-changing experience. Whether it is architecture, art of food, Asian cultures are always awe-inspiring.

You won’t run out of sights to see or an attraction to experience in Asia, because you never know what you might find on the next street corner.

If you embrace the foreign culture and its habits with open arms, you can find a completely new way of living.

“The highlights of my exchange program were getting to know various cultures that are entirely different from the one I am exposed to in Germany. During my stay in China and Thailand, I came across so many new people from all over the world. […] I pretty quickly began to view things differently because everything was starkly different from the way things work in Germany. It was a great experience to learn that there are many different ways of looking at things. It’s an awesome feeling to experience that kind of diversity.”

8. It looks good on your resume

All the skills you have learned abroad will also interest your future employers. According to the biggest-ever survey on the subject, the QS Global Employer Survey Report, 6 out of 10 employers around the world give extra credit for an international student experience, and more than 80% said they actively sought graduates who had studied abroad.

“I never could have imagined what kind of a benefit this experience is in working life. I started to look for summer jobs and internships when I knew that I am coming to study here. I sent three applications to different places and I got all the jobs. Can you believe it, all three!”

9. Experience the quality of Asian education systems

One of the most important variables behind the miracle of the speed of growth and recovery in the Asian economies is the quality of education.

The goal of education in Asia is to equip people to become productive members of their given societies as well as equip the students with the skills and mentality to be able to successfully compete against the masses of other applicants.

Asian students and schools receive continuously top marks in international rankings. Our carefully selected partner universities are all among the top universities in their respective countries.

10. Some of the best places to travel around

Asia is a dream come true for an adventurer. There are countless places to explore and exotic islands to discover. Travelling inside Asia is cheap and distances are not long.

This means that whichever country you are staying in, traveling to other parts of Asia is easy. You’ll get the opportunity to see discover all of this exciting continent in just one semester and gather enough stories for a lifetime.

”There are plenty of travel locations to choose from in South-East Asia; big cities, paradise islands, natural wonders, cultural attractions and so much more. There are numerous choices of locations. Our group visited the islands of Tao, Pha-Ngan, Samui, Lanta, Phi Phi, Phuket and we travelled around Krabi during one trip. All I can say is that all these beach were absolutely indescribable!”

– Asia Exchange student in Thailand

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What students have said

“Before the study abroad semester I always thought about how great the slogan “Life Changing Experiences” sounds, but I was sure it was a bit overrated. But after these 4 months I can really say that this was the best time of my life and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss one second of the whole experience! I want to thank Asia Exchange for giving me the opportunity to experience the best time of my life.”